Dental Bridges

Dental Bridges in Kingston

What is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a custom-made dental appliance used to replace one or more missing teeth, effectively bridging the gap created by tooth loss. It is an ideal solution for patients seeking to restore both functionality and aesthetics to their smile.

Benefits of Having a Bridge

  • Aesthetic Appeal: Dental bridges are designed to look like natural teeth, seamlessly blending with the rest of your smile. They are crafted to match the color, shape, and size of the adjacent teeth, enhancing the overall appearance of your teeth.
  • Restores Functionality: By filling the gaps left by missing teeth, dental bridges restore the ability to chew and speak properly. They distribute the forces in your bite correctly and prevent remaining teeth from drifting out of position.
  • Durability and Reliability: Made from strong, high-quality materials such as porcelain or ceramics, often fused to metal for added strength, dental bridges are durable and can last many years with proper care and maintenance.
  • Prevents Bone Loss: A bridge can help maintain the shape of your face and prevent bone loss by stimulating the jawbone, preserving the natural contour of your face and jawline.
  • Non-invasive Procedure: Compared to dental implants, bridges often require a less invasive procedure, making them a preferred choice for patients who seek a simpler solution to missing teeth.
  • Customisation: Each bridge is custom-made to fit the unique contours of your mouth, ensuring a comfortable fit and a natural look.
  • Supports Adjacent Teeth: A bridge helps in maintaining the alignment of adjacent teeth, preventing them from shifting, which can lead to bite problems or jaw pain.
  • Cost-Effective: Dental bridges are a cost-effective solution for replacing missing teeth, especially when compared to dental implants or other more complex procedures.

When your Dentist May Suggest a Bridge

Your dentist may suggest a bridge in the following situations:

  • Missing One or More Teeth: If you have one or several adjacent teeth missing, a bridge can be an effective solution to fill the gap.
  • Desire to Improve Smile: For cosmetic reasons, a bridge can enhance the appearance of your smile by replacing missing teeth.
  • Need to Restore Chewing and Speaking Ability: Missing teeth can affect your ability to chew food properly and speak clearly. A bridge helps restore these functions.
  • Prevention of Teeth Shifting: When you lose a tooth, the adjacent teeth may shift into the empty space. A bridge helps maintain proper alignment of your teeth.
  • Desire for a Non-Invasive Procedure: If you prefer a less invasive option compared to dental implants, a bridge might be recommended.
  • Maintaining Facial Shape: Bridges help support facial structure, preventing the sunken look that can occur with tooth loss.
  • Existing Healthy Teeth for Support: A traditional bridge requires healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth/teeth for support.
  • Cost Considerations: If you’re looking for a more cost-effective solution than dental implants, a bridge might be suggested.
  • Quick Solution: Compared to implants, bridges typically require fewer visits to the dentist and have a quicker treatment time.
  • Patient’s Dental Health and Preferences: Depending on the overall dental health, oral hygiene practices, and personal preferences, a dentist might recommend a bridge as the most suitable option.

What to Expect at Your Dental Appointments

For Crowns and Bridges, you will need at least two appointments with the Dentist:

  1. During the first appointment the tooth is prepared for the crown under local anaesthetic so you should feel no pain. An impression is taken and temporary crown is placed on the tooth for approximately two weeks whilst the crown is made by the dental lab.
  2. Once the crown has been made it can then be fitted. The crown may initially feel different to your original tooth – This is because the shape of the crown is built to optimise the function of the tooth. In most cases it will settle after a few days so that it feels just like a normal tooth. Occasionally, the crown may need to be adjusted if it feels higher than the surrounding teeth.

There are a variety of materials that can be used for a crown:

  • All Metal: Metal crowns are normally only used for back teeth as they are less visible.  Metal crowns and are very strong and long lasting.
  • Metal and Porcelain: These crowns have a metal core and are covered by a layer of porcelain – this makes them strong yet look tooth coloured
  • All Porcelain or Ceramic: These are metal free crowns and are the most aesthetic type of crowns available

FAQ’s 

Not everyone is a suitable candidate for a dental bridge. The success and longevity of a dental bridge depend on several factors, including the individual’s oral health and the type of bridge required.

To have a dental bridge, an individual must have healthy adjacent teeth to act as support for the bridge. In the case of a traditional bridge, neighbouring teeth on both sides of the gap must be strong enough to handle the pressure and force of the artificial tooth in between them. If these teeth are weak or compromised, a bridge may not be a feasible option.

Similarly, an individual’s gum tissue and jawbone structure must also be healthy enough to support the bridge. In cases of bone loss or gum disease, a bridge may not be the ideal choice unless additional treatment is completed to restore oral health.

Another factor to consider is the type of bridge required. Traditional bridges require the removal of some of the healthy tooth structure in neighbouring teeth to make room for the bridge. For individuals who have strong, healthy teeth surrounding the gap, other options like implant-supported bridges may be a better alternative.

Ultimately, whether a dental bridge is suitable for an individual depends on a case-by-case evaluation by a dental professional. A treatment plan can be tailored to the individual’s unique needs and oral health status to ensure the best possible outcome.

In conclusion, not everyone is a candidate for a dental bridge. A thorough evaluation by a dental professional is necessary to determine an individual’s suitability for a bridge and the best treatment plan to restore their oral health and natural smile.

Dental bridges are a common solution for replacing missing teeth, offering a natural-looking and functional option that can help improve oral health and confidence. However, for those considering a dental bridge, a common question is how long it will last.

The lifespan of a dental bridge can vary depending on several factors. In general, a dental bridge can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more with proper care. However, some bridges may need to be replaced sooner due to wear and tear or other factors.

One crucial factor in the longevity of a dental bridge is proper oral hygiene. Regular brushing and flossing can help keep the artificial tooth and surrounding teeth clean and free from decay. Additionally, regular dental check-ups are essential to ensure the bridge is in good condition and to detect any potential problems early on.

The type of bridge can also impact its lifespan. Traditional bridges, which rely on neighbouring teeth for support, may weaken the healthy teeth over time and cause them to become compromised, leading to the need for a replacement. Implant-supported bridges, on the other hand, can be a more durable option, as they rely on artificial tooth roots that are inserted into the jawbone.

Other factors that can impact the lifespan of a dental bridge include the individual’s bite, the strength and health of neighbouring teeth, the material used for the bridge, and the amount of wear and tear the bridge experiences over time.

Ultimately, the best way to ensure a dental bridge lasts as long as possible is to practice proper oral hygiene and schedule regular check-ups with a dental professional. With proper care and maintenance, a dental bridge can provide many years of a healthy and beautiful smile.

A bridge can be used to replace up to five missing teeth, without the need for implants or dentures-making it an economical choice for many people. Bridges require little maintenance and provide a permanent solution for multiple missing teeth.

The number of teeth that can be replaced depends on the type of bridge you choose and its design. Traditional bridges are the most common type and usually span at least three (or up to five) locations between existing natural teeth. This allows the bridge to restore chewing function as well as improve your appearance by replacing missing front or back teeth. If you have more than five gaps in your smile, you may want to consider alternative options like dental implants or removable dentures. Your dentist will help you determine which option is best for you based on your overall dental health, budget, and personal preferences.

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Sukhwant S. Sidhu

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“Great professional, friendly service. I have been using this surgery for a while and the experience has always been exceptional. Recently I was accommodated for a repair at short notice. The treatments are always exceptional and at very competitive prices. Highly recommended.”

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